Syria deploys troops to Suwayda as tribal clashes leave at least 30 dead
The ministry expressed 'deep concern and sorrow over the bloody developments'.
'This dangerous escalation comes amid an absence of relevant official institutions which has led to an exacerbation of chaos, a deterioration in the security situation and an inability of the local community to contain the crisis,' it added.
The ministry said government forces would be sent to the region to stop the clashes and assess the situation, calling on all parties to co-operate.
Bedouin and Druze factions have a longstanding feud in Suwayda, with violence occasionally erupting between the two.
The latest clashes are the first outbreak of violence since deadly clashes between members of the Druze community and security forces in April and May, in which dozens of people were killed. However, this is the first time fighting has erupted inside the city of Suwayda.
Since the collapse of the former regime under Bashar Al Assad last December, concerns have been raised over the rights and safety of minorities under the new Islamist authorities, who have struggled to re-establish security more broadly.
In March, more than 1,000 people, including many civilians, were killed in fighting between fighters loyal to the former regime and government forces in the coastal provinces of Tartus and Latakia. These are strongholds of the Alawite minority group, to which the Assad family belongs.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
18 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Sharjah Ruler approves Dh335-million housing aid for 431 families
Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has approved a new batch of housing support for critical cases across the emirate. The initiative is backed by a budget of Dh335 million. A total of 431 families will benefit from this phase of the housing programme, all of whom fall under urgent housing needs. These include: 133 families currently living in rented accommodations 201 families residing in overcrowded homes shared with relatives 61 families occupying inherited houses 36 families living in structurally unsafe or unfit dwellings All beneficiaries will receive ready-to-move-in government housing units, with the support being granted in the form housing grants. This marks the latest in a series of housing initiatives introduced under the Sharjah Ruler's directives to improve the living conditions of the citizens in the emirate. Earlier this year, on June 9, Sheikh Dr Sultan approved Dh100 million in compensation for owners of old homes in Al Madam who had previously been allocated new residences. He had previously approved a sum of Dh250,000 for each of the 200 owners whose old homes were replaced. Similarly, on January 21, Sheikh Dr Sultan approved the disbursement of Dh15 million to resolve construction delays affecting 70 government homes for Emirati citizens, following a temporary suspension of the project.
Gulf Business
an hour ago
- Gulf Business
DP World signs $800m deal to redevelop Syria's Port of Tartus
DP World has entered into a 30-year concession agreement with Syria's General Authority for Land and Sea Ports to develop and operate the Port of Tartus. The deal, structured as a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model and fully owned by DP World, aims to modernise the port's infrastructure and reestablish Tartus as a vital trade hub connecting Southern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Under the agreement, The agreement was signed in Damascus in the presence of His Excellency Ahmed Al-Sharaa, President of the Syrian Arab Republic, by Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, chairman and group CEO of DP World, and Qutaiba Ahmed Badawi, chairman of the General Authority for Land and Sea Ports. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, chairman and group CEO of DP World, said: 'This agreement reflects our long-term commitment to enabling global trade and creating resilient supply chains. We see strong potential in Tartus to serve as a vital trade gateway and look forward to strengthening regional connectivity and economic opportunity through this investment. We believe in the power of trade to help drive long-term stability and prosperity for Syria and the region.' Qutaiba Ahmed Badawi, chairman of Syria's General Authority for Land and Sea Ports, added: 'This agreement marks an important step forward for the Port of Tartus and Syria's maritime sector. Partnering with DP World will allow us to modernise and strengthen the efficiency of our trade infrastructure as we continue to rebuild key trade lanes, support the national economy and provide more opportunities for the Syrian people. The agreement reflects our shared vision to transform Tartus into a strategic gateway linking Syria with regional and international markets and it will pave the way for sustainable growth for years to come.' Read: Trade routes Strategically located on Syria's Mediterranean coast, Tartus is the country's second-largest port and plays a critical role in connecting trade routes to Europe, the Levant, and North Africa. The redevelopment is expected to significantly boost Syria's trade potential, enabling the port to handle a wider variety of cargo including general cargo, containers, breakbulk, and roll-on/roll-off traffic. DP World also plans to explore opportunities for developing free zones, inland logistics hubs, and transit corridors in partnership with local stakeholders. These initiatives aim to support Syria's economic recovery and diversification efforts. With operations in more than 75 countries and over 9.2 per cent of global container traffic handled through its network, DP World brings more than 40 years of experience in global logistics development. The Tartus project builds on the company's growing portfolio and reinforces its presence in the Middle East.
Gulf Today
an hour ago
- Gulf Today
Dozens killed in Bedouin-Druze clash in Syria
Syria deployed security forces Monday in the southern province of Sweida after at least 50 people were killed in clashes between Sunni Bedouin tribes and Druze fighters, a monitor said. The outbreak of sectarian violence underscores the challenges facing the administration of interim leader Ahmad Al-Sharaa, whose forces overthrew president Bashar al-Assad in December, in a country reeling from 14 years of war. The latest fighting, which began Sunday, continued sporadically into Monday in several villages, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor and the Suwayda 24 news outlet. The clashes reportedly erupted when a Druze vegetable vendor was seized by armed Bedouins on the main highway linking Sweida to Damascus. The incident triggered a series of retaliatory abductions by both sides. Suwayda 24 said those abducted were released Sunday night. The Observatory raised its death toll Monday to 50, including 34 Druze -- among them two children -- 10 Bedouins and six members of the security forces. State television confirmed six deaths among the security forces. The highway between Damascus and Sweida remained closed, said the Britain-based monitor, which relies on a network of sources on the ground. The defence ministry put the toll at 30 dead and around 100 wounded. Dozens more have been wounded amid armed clashes and mortar fire in Sweida city and nearby villages. Syria's defence and interior ministries announced the deployment of military units to the affected areas, the establishment of safe corridors for civilians, and a commitment to "end the clashes quickly and decisively". "The lack of state, military and security institutions is a major reason for the ongoing tensions in Sweida," Interior Minister Anas Khattab said Sunday on X. "The only solution is to reactivate these institutions to ensure civil peace," he added. The latest unrest follows deadly violence in April and May, when clashes between Druze fighters and security forces in Druze-populated areas near Damascus and Sweida killed more than 100 people. The Observatory said members of Bedouin tribes, who are Sunni Muslim, had sided with security forces during earlier confrontations. Local leaders and religious figures brokered agreements at the time to de-escalate the tensions, putting Druze fighters in charge of local security in Sweida since May, though armed Bedouins remain present in several areas. On Sunday, Sweida governor Mustapha al-Bakur urged his constituents to "exercise self-restraint", while Druze community leaders urged authorities to step in. In response to the violence, the education ministry announced the postponement of Monday's scheduled secondary school exams in the province Agence France-Presse
